HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-16-2023-BLT-AGENDA PACKETCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES AGENDA
Crean Mariners Branch Library
1300 Irvine Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Monday, October 16, 2023 - 5:00 PM
Board of Library Trustees Members:
Paul Watkins, Chair
Dorothy Larson, Vice Chair
Lauren Kramer, Secretary
Antonella Castro, Trustee
Douglas Coulter, Trustee
Staff Members:
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist
The Board of Library Trustees meeting is subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act. Among other things, the Brown Act requires that the
Board of Library Trustees agenda be posted at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of each regular meeting and that the public
be allowed to comment on agenda items before the Commission and items not on the agenda but are within the subject matter
jurisdiction of the Board of Library Trustees. The Chair may limit public comments to a reasonable amount of time, generally three
(3) minutes per person.
The public can submit questions and comments in writing for the Board of Library Trustees to consider. Please send them by
email to the Library Services Department at LibraryBoard@newportbeachca.gov by Sunday, October 15, at 4:00 p.m. to give the
Board of Library Trustees time to consider your comments. All emails will be made part of the record.
The City of Newport Beach’s goal is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a
participant at this meeting, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, we will attempt to accommodate
you in every reasonable manner. Please contact Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director, at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to
the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible at (949) 717-3801 or
mhartson@newportbeachca.gov.
NOTICE REGARDING PRESENTATIONS REQUIRING USE OF CITY EQUIPMENT
Any presentation requiring the use of the City of Newport Beach’s equipment must be submitted to the Library Services
Department 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
I.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
II.ROLL CALL
III.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The City provides a yellow sign-in card to assist in the preparation of the minutes. The
completion of the card is not required in order to address the Board of Library Trustees. If the
optional sign-in card has been completed, it should be placed in the tray provided.
The Board of Library Trustees of Newport Beach welcomes and encourages community
participation. Public comments are generally limited to three (3) minutes per person to allow
everyone to speak. Written comments are encouraged as well. The Board of Library Trustees
has the discretion to extend or shorten the time limit on agenda or non-agenda items. As a
courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
October 16, 2023
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
V.CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under CONSENT CALENDAR are considered to be routine and will all be
enacted by one motion in the form listed below. Board of Library Trustees have received
detailed staff reports on each of the items recommending an action. There will be no separate
discussion of these items prior to the time the Board of Library Trustees votes on the motion
unless members of the Board of Library Trustees request specific items to be discussed and/or
removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Members of the public who wish to
discuss a Consent Calendar item should come forward upon invitation by the Chair.
A.Consent Calendar Items
Minutes of the Sept 18, 2023 Board of Library Trustees Meeting (pp. 5-13)1.
DRAFT MINUTES
Patron Comments (pp. 14-17)2.
Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and
requests received from patrons.
PATRON COMMENTS
Patron's Request for Evaluation of Library Resources (pp. 18-23)3.
Monthly review of evaluations of library resources as requested by patrons with
corresponding staff responses.
PATRON REQUESTS FOR EVALUATION
Library Activities (pp. 24-34)4.
Monthly update of library events, services and statistics.
SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES
Expenditure Status Report (pp. 35-36)5.
Monthly expenditure status of the library's operating expenses, services, salaries
and benefits by department.
SEPTEMBER EXPENDITURES
Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List (p. 37)6.
List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board of
Library Trustees.
MONITORING LIST
October 16, 2023
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
VI.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review
Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2)(pp. 38-49)7.
Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve the
proposed amendments to Library Policy NBPL 2, Collection Development Policy,
made by the Collection Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENTS A-D
Mariners Branch Update (pp. 50-52)8.
Mariners Branch Librarian Alex Johnkins will provide the annual overview of
Mariners Branch operations.
STAFF REPORT
Youth Services Update (pp. 53-57)9.
Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth will provide the annual
overview of Youth Services.
STAFF REPORT
Patron Connections (pp. 58-59)10.
Staff will provide an overview of Fiscal Year 2022-23 statistics and present
community connections beyond quantifiable statistics.
STAFF REPORT
Lecture Hall Update11.
Report on activities related to the Library Lecture Hall project.
Balboa Branch Replacement Update12.
Report on activities related to the Balboa Branch Replacement project.
Library Services (pp. 24-34)13.
Report of Library issues regarding services, patrons and staff.
October 16, 2023
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
B.Monthly Reports
Library Foundation Liaison Reports (pp. 60-62)14.
A. Library Foundation Board - Report of the most recently attended meeting
B. Library Live Lectures Committee - Report of the most recently attended
meeting
C. Witte Lectures Committee - Report of the most recently attended meeting
FOUNDATION REPORT
Friends of the Library Liaison Report15.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board
meeting.
Literacy Services Liaison Report16.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Literacy Services Advisory Board
meeting.
VII.PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments are invited and non-agenda items generally considered to be within the
subject matter jurisdiction of the Board of Library Trustees. Speakers must limit comments to
three (3) minutes. Before speaking, we invite, but do not require, you to state your name for
the record. The Board of Library Trustees has the discretion to extend or shorten the speakers’
time limit on agenda or non-agenda items, provided the time limit adjustment is applied equally
to all speakers. As a courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
VIII.BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH
MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION
ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
IX.ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Board of Library Trustees Civic Center Council Chambers 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach Meeting Minutes Monday, September 18, 2023 – 5:00 p.m.
I.CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:00 P.M.
Chair Paul Watkins called to order the regular meeting.
II.ROLL CALL – Roll call by Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome.
Trustees Present: Chair Paul Watkins, Vice Chair Dorothy Larson, Trustee Doug
Coulter, Secretary Lauren Kramer, Trustee Antonella Castro
Trustees Absent: None
Staff Present: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager Annika Helmuth, Circulation and Youth Services Coordinator Erin Spivey, Adult Services Coordinator Gabriela Leman, Literacy Services Coordinator Tara Finnigan, Assistant City Manager
Staff Absent None
Chair Paul Watkins introduced new Trustee Antonella Castro.
Trustee Antonella Castro gave a brief history of personal background information and involvement with the Library and expressed excitement for being a new Trustee on the
Board.
III.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Trustee Antonella Castro led the Pledge of Allegiance
IV.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC - Waived
V.CONSENT CALENDARAdministrative Support Specialist Jacome read the Consent Calendar Notice to the public.
Chair Watkins called for any requested items to be pulled for separate action or discussion.
A.Consent Calendar Items
1.Minutes of the August 21, 2023 Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Chair Watkins referenced page seven, four lines up from the bottom of the August draft minutes and asked that Trustee Lawson be changed to Trustee Larson.
2. Patron CommentsMonthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requestsreceived from patrons.
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3. Library Activities Monthly update of library events, services, and statistics.
Chair Watkins noted on Page 27 of the packet that the drop off in program attendance from July to August was likely due to the postponement of the Tijuana Dogs concert, which was originally scheduled for August 20. The concert was rescheduled for September 24
at 6:00 p.m. The Eagles tribute band, Boys of Summer, was fabulous. 4. Expenditure Status Report
Monthly expenditure status of the library’s operating expenses, services, salaries, and benefits by department. Chair Watkins noted on Page 28 of the packet, they are now at 16.6% into the new fiscal year, with an expenditure level of about 15.6% and about 1% under budget. 5. Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board of Library Trustees. October’s meeting will be held at the Mariner’s Branch on October 16, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
Chair Watkins opened the item for public comments, there were none. Motion made by Trustee Doug Coulter, seconded by Secretary Dorothy Kramer, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve the Consent Calendar with the minor change to the August draft minutes.
AYES: Watkins, Kramer, Coulter, Larson, Castro NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: VI. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review 6. Literacy Services Update Literacy Coordinator Gabriela Leman will provide an update on the Literacy program and events.
Literacy Coordinator Gabriela Leman reported that Project Adult Literacy began in 1988. This past year they enrolled 86 adult learners. A total of 4,400 volunteer hours have been clocked, and the program is completely volunteer based. One of the programs this last
year was the Writer to Writer contest. Newport Beach was well represented with 4% of the winners and runners-up from the Newport Beach Public Library. Ms. Leman is the new Literacy Coordinator, and a Literacy Assistant has been recruited with an offer having
been accepted. Recruitment efforts for tutors are still in place and learner and tutor training sessions are occurring. Chair Watkins inquired how many tutors are currently in place.
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Literacy Coordinator Gabriela Leman responded that there are about 63 tutors.
Chair Watkins shared his experience with being a tutor and gave a shout out to all the volunteer tutors in the program.
Vice Chair Larson commented about the International Literacy Day event and thanked Literacy Coordinator Leman for her report.
Chair Watkins opened the item for Public Comment. Mr. Jim Mosher, Newport Beach resident, commented that he used to attend the Board of Library Trustees meetings regularly but hasn’t been able to recently due to conflicts with other City meetings and questioned if the Literacy program is a City or State program, who is on the Literacy Advisory Board and how they get appointed, and what role this Board holds in relation to the Literacy program, or if the program is governed by another body. Chair Watkins commented that Mr. Mosher asked some great questions and requested that either Literacy Coordinator Leman or Library Services Manager Lightfoot look into the answers to those questions and make contact with Mr. Mosher.
Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 7. Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2) Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve the proposed amendments to the Library Policy NBPL 2, Collection Development
Policy, made by the Collection Development Ad Hoc Committee. Library Services Director Melissa Hartson reported that the ad hoc subcommittee formed at the prior meeting for review of the Collection Development Policy met and recommended adding the following language to the existing policy, under the section of Patron Rights: “along with Parents, to include caregivers, as a responsible party for minor children” - add the language “under their care and supervision”. Additionally, add the following clause to address age appropriateness and placement of materials: “Not withstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this policy, any materials in the children’s collection, or teen collection, considered not age appropriate by the library services director, will be relocated to another library location”. The ad hoc subcommittee is
recommending Board approval of these changes. Chair Watkins opened the item for Public Comments.
Haley Jenkins provided public comment regarding the ad hoc subcommittee members and their findings, and noted that the Joint Use Agreement was not signed by the Newport-
Mesa Unified School District, which leaves Mariners Branch in control of decided age appropriate library materials that are still currently displayed at that branch, and requested a warning sign be placed in the children departments at all branches if the library intends on using the guidelines of Freedom To Read to consider age appropriate materials. Bill Dunlap provided public comment regarding age-appropriate material at Mariners Branch and expressed concern regarding the school portion of the Library being closed to
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the public while school is in session. This doesn’t allow adults to be present when the school aged children visit the Library during school hours; and if a determination had yet been made in defining age range for “age appropriate”.
Rebeka Sinclair provided public comment regarding efforts to push aside reading materials that support traditional values and patriotism. She was unable to find a book
about Veteran’s Day at her local branch in Mill Valley, in the Bay Area, without having to wait three to five days for them to be sent over to her local branch.
Jim Mosher provided public comment and stated that he endorses the changes made to the Collection Development Policy and found that the American Library Association offered very thoughtful guidelines on how libraries can write collection development policies, and recommended they add a brief summary of the Library Board’s mission in the front part of the policy. He suggested they simplify the changes made and add missing components such as if offensive material was read in its entirety and what the goals are of the patrons who are making the complaints. Mr. Mosher’s comments were also submitted in writing. Francine Howard provided public comment regarding the wonderful opportunity of having access to information and modern technology at the libraries and how that is over-
shadowed by the concerns of age-appropriate materials that are available. Audrey provided public comment regarding the book “Melissa”, available in the library,
which teaches children how to hide pornographic behavior from parents and how to make gender transitions; and expressed her concerns regarding the material.
Chair Watkins provided an explanation of the ad hoc subcommittee’s role in making the determination for the reported changes being made to the policy, along with background of some of the alternatives that were also discussed during that process. Alternatives such as leaving everything in place and not making any changes; or requesting that staff review all children’s material each year before it’s added to the collection; or creating a citizen’s advisory committee; segregating inappropriate material from a staff standpoint and moving the material to a different branch. The subcommittee noted that there’s a group called the United States Board on Books for Young People, who indicate that some 30,000 new children’s books are published each year, which does not include self-published books. The ad hoc tried to come up with a compromise for everyone. The proposed changes accomplish adding the emphasis that parents and caregivers have responsibility to
oversee books and material of minor children under their supervision and care, qualifies the absoluteness of the ALA Bill of Rights by adding the qualifier in general. The Library will continue to offer patrons the right to object to materials under the Patrons Request for
Evaluation and make use of that resource. Not unlike the Mariners Elementary School Joint Use Agreement, the proposal indicates that any materials in the children collection, or in the teen collection considered not age appropriate by the Library Services Director,
will be relocated to another library location. They did the best they could in coming up with a rough justice compromise while acknowledging the community’s concerns. Trustee Antonella Castro commented that she appreciated the time and effort of staff and the ad hoc committee and in the interest of transparency, explained the complaint process. The Board does not receive request for evaluation of material unless the patron disagrees with the Library’s determination and requests an appeal. Trustee Castro suggested staff
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let the Board know what their recommendations are and why, and the Board also be given the opportunity to appeal decisions made by staff. Additionally, she appreciated Mr. Mosher’s suggestion of finding out what the intended goals are for the people who request
evaluations, and it should be added to the evaluation request form. It seems the school district’s policy doesn’t always align with the Library’s policy and asked if Library Services Director Hartson has the authority to relocate material that was placed by the school
librarians. Chair Watkins summarized the suggestions made by Trustee Castro.
Library Services Director Hartson replied that they would evaluate recommended titles provided by the school based on the Collection Development Policy. The collection is under the purview of City Library staff, not the District school staff, to select and deselect materials according to the Joint Use Agreement. Trustee Coulter commented that it seemed that there are young students who attend the Library without a parent or guardian and suggested moving the books that are in question to a shelf that can’t be reached by younger children. Secretary Kramer commented regarding support of the ad hoc’s recommendation, and the
additional suggestions from Trustee Castro and appreciates the due process of how evaluation requests are being handled; and suggested it might be useful knowledge for the Board to know evaluation requests that are being made before the appeal process
begins, just for general knowledge purposes. Vice Chair Larson explained that the portion of Mariners Branch being used as a school
library means that during those hours, the school portion of the Library is closed to the public in general and clarified that there are either teachers or school librarians that are also there to supervise the children. She appreciated Mr. Mosher’s comments regarding adding to the evaluation request form and it should be taken into consideration, and mentioned there is also a form for making suggestions on material to consider adding, and recommended the patron who couldn’t find material about patriotism consider making it an official suggestion for evaluation. Vice Chair Larson expressed an interest in making a motion to approve the changes made to the Collection Development Policy as recommended by the ad hoc committee.
Chair Watkins requested the motion be amended to include the suggestions made by Secretary Kramer and Trustee Castro.
Library Services Director Hartson explained that providing the Board with the patrons request for evaluation prior to the appeal process could affect the Board’s ability to remain neutral during their responsibility during the appeal process.
Trustee Castro suggested an alternative could be letting the Board review the decision that was made by staff, and their reason for that decision. Chair Watkins asked if that would be a possibility for future evaluation request decisions. Library Services Director Hartson responded that they could do that.
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Administrative Support Specialist Jacome requested the motion be restated to include the changes.
Motion made by Vice Chair Larson, seconded by Trustee Castro, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve Collection Development Policy (NBPL) 2 with minor changes, add to the
evaluation request form the reason and intended goal of the evaluation that is being requested, and on a monthly basis staff will include information pertaining to completed evaluation request results in the staff report for the Board meetings.
Trustee Coulter suggested that material that isn’t removed after an evaluation request has been determined, could be moved to shelves out of reach of smaller children and that could be determined by staff. Vice Chair Larson stated that could be added to the evaluation process, rather than the policy. Library Services Director Hartson confirmed that relocating material could be interpreted as relocating to another library, or another location within the Mariners Branch.
AYES: Watkins, Coulter, Kramer, Larson, Castro NOES: ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENCES: 8. Acceptance of Donations
Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees approve the acceptance of two donations from the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation. Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot reported that staff recommended the Board accept two donations from the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation. One is a $200 donation specifically earmarked for the Balboa Branch, the other is a $2,050 donation received by Kappa Kappa Gamma for Literacy Services. If the donations are accepted, the Balboa donation will go into the Balboa Branch materials budget, the Literacy Services donation will go towards the Program’s services and materials budget. Vice Chair Larson expressed gratitude for the donations.
Chair Watkins noted that the Foundation is very good at following up with thank you notes. Motion made by Trustee Coulter, seconded by Trustee Castro, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve accepting the two donations.
AYES: Watkins, Coulter, Kramer, Larson, Castro NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES:
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9. Lecture Hall Update Chair Watkins stated that NBPLF CEO Mr. Kappel provided a written report and there isn’t
really anything to report on the Lecture Hall until October 5, 2023. Library Services Director Hartson agreed that is correct.
Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 10. Balboa Branch Replacement Update Library Services Director Hartson reported the ad hoc subcommittee met with members of the Public Works team. Initial design concepts are just getting off the ground, it was a good opportunity for the new ad hoc subcommittee to receive details regarding the project and its timeline. There will be future opportunities for the Board to meet with the design firm and the Public Works team, as well as opportunities for public comment during the community outreach portion of the project. Chair Watkins reported that on Tuesday September 12, the ad hoc committee met several members of the project.
Vice Chair Larson commented that it was a very informative meeting and saw preliminary drafts which she found very beneficial for exterior and interior use of space. She has a
planned visit scheduled to see the new Corona del Mar Branch to help her provide elevations input.
Mr. Jim Mosher, Newport Beach resident, commented the progress of this project seems clearer to the ad hoc committee than to the public and compared the community outreach provided during the Corona del Mar Branch replacement initial design phase to the opportunities that don’t seem to be happening during the Balboa project. Several options were also provided for the community to choose from. Chair Watkins commented that it has been reported that there will be many opportunities provided for public input during the community outreach phase, and he has seen multiple options for design layouts that have not yet been completed. The project is still in the preliminary stages.
Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 11. Library Services
Report of Library issues regarding services, patrons and staff Library Services Director Hartson reported that she attended the Orange County Alumni
Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma’s Author Under the Stars event mentioned in the donation that was accepted. It was a great networking event that provided an opportunity for her to talk about the Library Literacy program and hear from the author on the story of the Irvine Ranch. The Foundation received $2,000 from monies raised at the event. Upcoming events include Art in the Park from the Newport Beach Arts Foundation and the rescheduled concert featuring Tijuana Dogs on September 24. The Foundation is kicking off Medicine In Our Backyard on Monday September 25, Friends Used Book Sale is
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scheduled Friday October 6 for members only, Saturday October 7 for the public. The Board of Library Trustee’s meeting for October 16 will take place at the Mariners Branch.
Chair Watkins received and filed the report. B. Monthly Reports 12. Library Foundation Liaison Reports A. Library Foundation Board Report on the most recently attended meeting. Chair Watkins reported that Mr. Kappel’s report for the meeting and items concerning the Foundation can be found in his memo. It’s a wonderful organization and a great report worth reading. B. Library Live Lectures Committee Report on the most recently attended meeting. Chair Watkins suggested that Mr. Kappel’s report items 3 and 11 have great information regarding the Library Live Lectures. Secretary Kramer stated she would accept that as a report, and she will be attending her
first meeting on October 3, 2023. C. Witte Lectures Committee
Report on the most recently attended meeting. Chair Watkins reported Witte Lectures information can be found in Mr. Kappel’s report under items 2 and 12. Vice Chair Larson attended the first meeting of the season. The Witte season passes have already been made available for purchase and are selling well. She foresees this season being a great season for all of the lectures and will help demonstrate the needs for an auditorium or lecture hall. Usually, discussions take place regarding books they want considered for author speaker events, this meeting included the budgeting and fundraising process and transparency and the format of the events, along with a preliminary selection
list for the 2024-25 season. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 13. Friends of the Library Liaison Report Trustee update on the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board
meeting. Trustee Coulter reported that the total bookstore income for August was $17,766. Dues received were $395. There were eight new members and twenty-six members renewed. Currently the membership is 846 members. The Friends Volunteer luncheon is scheduled for November 28, 2023, and they are planning on doing a cookie exchange. The next big used book sale is scheduled for Friday, October 6 from 1-4 p.m. for members only with
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everything 3 for $1, and Saturday, October 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the general public with books at $3 per bag; the bags will be supplied. There are continued sales during the month for children activities and books. It’s a pleasure to report for a group that works so
hard. Chair Watkins commented on the amazing opportunity for getting great books at a great
bargain. Chair Watkins received and filed the report.
14. Literacy Services Liaison Report Trustee update of the most recently attended Literacy Services Advisory Board. Chair Watkins stated this was covered in a prior item, however some of the Board attended the International Literacy Day Celebration on September 14 in the Friends Room where Learners Sarah, Nic and Zoey were honored. Sarah received the Hoffman Memorial award; it was very touching. Literacy Coordinator Gabriela Leman provided a very touching report in her own words. Trustee Castro will begin as a liaison in October. Library Services Director Hartson added that she received an update from the Literacy
Advisory Board that they will be rebranding their name and considering Pals4PAL. Chair Watkins received and filed the report.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Jim Mosher, Newport Beach resident, commented that he will not be able to attend the meeting next month due to a conflict in schedule with another meeting for the city. He wanted to talk about the District’s Joint Use Agreement, which went before City Council
and was taken off the agenda for reasons that were not explained. It concerned him that it was presented without any mention that the Board of Library Trustees had reviewed the agreement, and Newport Beach is a chartered City which allows the citizens and other boards to have a say in matters that affect city services. The only role City Council has is to approve or reject and tell them to try again. His hope is that it will return to the Board of Library Trustees prior to being scheduled again on City Council’s agenda. He believes there may be issues of concern with expiration dates in the agreement. Chair Watkins thanked Mr. Mosher for his comments and stated they will be noted. VIII. BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
None IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:20 p.m. October’s meeting will be held at the Mariner’s Branch on October 16, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
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NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTSSEPTEMBER 2023Comment # CommentResponseDate ReceivedSource of CommentStaff MemberStaff Member TitleDate Responded to Patron 109/01/2023EmailRebecca LightfootLibrary Services Manager09/01/2023209/02/2023EmailRebecca LightfootLibrary Services Manager09/05/2023309/03/2023EmailTerry SanchezPrograms Specialist09/05/2023409/04/2023EmailRebecca LightfootLibrary Services Manager09/05/2023509/06/2023EmailRebecca LightfootLibrary Services Manager09/06/2023I am not getting any library info or updates about programs, etc. I tried to establish an account, but it says I already have one, which I thought I did except for the lack of communication. Thank you for your help.I’m sorry to hear you’re not receiving any updates from the library. Have you checked your spam folder? If you still don’t see anything from us in there, please let me know and I’ll reach out to tech support and see what they suggest. Thank you.I have a few questions since I have never been to the library and want to start going there to study for my exams. 1. Is the parking public and free for an entire day? 2. If I want to reserve a spot for study, do I need to make an account and book the appointment? 3. Does the library have public computers for people to use? 4. How can I register an account for future borrowing of books? I have applied for Orange County Library cards that can be used in the Newport Library. Thank you.Yes, parking is free for the entire day. We have a lot out in front of the Central Library as well as the Civic Center Parking Structure. Our branches all have free parking as well. Study Rooms at the Central Library are reserved on a first come, first served basis. You may make a reservation same day, in person only at the reference desk with your valid Newport Beach Public Library card. You can read more about our Study Rooms here on our website... Yes, all four locations have public computers for use with your library card. You can read more about our computers here on our website... You will need to apply for a Newport Beach library card. You can do that at any of our locations during normal business hours. You can find more information here on our website... I hope that helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you.I was just curious if you're currently hiring. Thank you so much for your time! Thank you for reaching out and showing an interest in working for the Library! All of our job postings are on the City’s website here... You’ll also notice a link to “Job Interest Card” on the left. If you fill it out, you will be emailed every time a new job is added in the categories you choose. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions. Thank you.What is your email for general questions?For Reference help (inquiring about whether or not we own a book, placing holds, title suggestions), it’s muniref@newportbeachca.gov. For Circulation help (renewing items checked out, fines, lost items), it’s nbplcirc@newportbeachca.gov. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you.I hope you're doing well! I am interested in doing the Storytellers Writing Workshop, but when I tried to register the other night, it seemed to be completely full. Is there any way I can be added to the waitlist? Is that a possibility? Thanks in advance. I believe we may have spoken on the phone, but this email was forwarded to me. Just in case, I wanted to follow up with you to let you know that both the class and waitlist are full at this time. Please watch out for the eblast announcement in early December for the January class. Please also feel free to reach out if you should have questions.14
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTSSEPTEMBER 2023Comment # CommentResponseDate ReceivedSource of CommentStaff MemberStaff Member TitleDate Responded to Patron 609/08/2023EmailMelissa HartsonLibrary Services Director09/12/2023709/11/2023EmailErin SpiveyAdult Services Coordinator09/11/2023809/11/2023EmailRebecca LightfootLibrary Services Manager09/11/2023I'm an instructor for Santa Ana College Library Technology program's internship course. I help place our students at library internship sites based on their professional goals. One of my current students has expressed an interest in interning for a local public library this fall, and the Newport Beach Public Library is one of their top choices. As such, I wanted to reach out to inquire about the possibility of your library hosting an internship. The student intern would be able to complete tasks that someone at the library assistant/technician/LMT level would normally perform. This may be day-to-day activities or special projects. Observation of service areas and different paraprofessional and librarian roles can also be part of the internship. There are many ways for this student to complete their internship hours in person or remotely while supporting the needs of a hosting library, which can be determined by your library's needs along with the intern's professional development goals. Students in the internship course complete two 55-hour internships within the semester. The second internship period of our semester begins mid-to-late October. Therefore, if you are able to host an intern, they could begin around mid-to-late October, depending on your availability. Please note that we can be flexible with the amount of hours (for example, if you are only to provide 40 hours or so, that is fine. We just try to get as close to 55 hours as possible, realizing this is not always realistic due to the student and hosting library’s availability). I can provide further information about the student's availability as well as their educational and professional background upon request. Please contact me to discuss the possibility of hosting this internship or if you have any questions. Thank you very much for your consideration, and please know I understand if you are not able to host an internship at this time for any reason. Thank you so much for reaching out to us regarding an internship for your student. Unfortunately, we are unable to host an intern at this time. But please feel free to reach out to us in the future if the opportunity presents itself. Is the NBPL a member of the American Library Association? Thank you for your inquiry. The Newport Beach Public Library does not have an organizational membership with the American Library Association.Yesterday and today, a lady came in with her poodle making noise with its collar. She claimed it is a service dog, and from what I gather, the question is asked only if it is a service dog? There is no proof required. I have a friend with a service classification. They come with a tag and a jacket (red with white letters) stating service animal, have been put thru training, and have a certificate when asked that the owner can produce. This should be part of the classification requirements (since I never saw an animal at any of your locations). It's disturbing that the necklace is a noise disturbance, but it feels like this gal is abusing the situation and the only thing you do is ask if it is a service dog without proof. Again, this lady and her dog, two days in a row, is here with no visible proof that this dog is a service dog with a jacket, papers, training, and a tag.Thank you for taking the time to contact us. Newport Beach Public Library does have guidelines around animals in the library. The first, as you noted, is that we do not permit animals in the library unless they are a service animal. You can see that under A11 of our library policy here... Secondly, we are governed by federal guidelines on permitting service animals and what questions we may ask to determine the appropriateness of an animal in the library. Under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), we are allowed to ask the two following questions. The ADA government website offers the following guidance: …staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability (https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/). Thank you again for reaching out about this issue. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to speak with the library staff at your location or to reach out to the library through email again.15
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTSSEPTEMBER 2023Comment # CommentResponseDate ReceivedSource of CommentStaff MemberStaff Member TitleDate Responded to Patron 909/23/2023EmailTerry SanchezPrograms Specialist09/27/20231009/25/2023Comment CardRebecca LightfootLibrary Services Manager09/25/20231109/25/2023EmailErin SpiveyAdult Services Coordinator09/25/20231209/25/2023EmailTerry SanchezPrograms Specialist09/27/2023 & 10/04/2023I noticed that the library gives lectures. For example, I noticed there was a session on writing a book. What does the Friends of the Library or the library do in the way of promoting local authors? I am a local author and astrologer residing in Newport Beach, and I am exploring if there is an interest in a lecture on astrology. I have held an exhibit with an astrological chart at the Costa Mesa Senior Center. I can give a more detailed bio and lecture outline upon request.Thank you for dropping by your program materials. At this time, we do not feel your program proposal suits our current needs. I will reach out to you in the future if I see an opportunity. I will leave your materials in the administration office. You are welcome to pick them up any time during normal business hours. We thank you again for your interest and wish you the best in all endeavors. I'm trying to make an appointment for October, the week of the ninth, but there's nothing available until the 25th? I asked the library a while back if the sound lab was going to be closed, and I was told it wasn't. How can I make an appointment?Thank you for reaching out with you question. The sound lab can be booked up to two weeks in advance. Currently, the only date available to reserve the week of October 9th is that Monday, October 9th. If you would like to make a reservation for later in the week, you may do so on the day that is exactly two weeks prior. To see dates that are available in the future, try using the following steps: Begin by logging into the reservation system with your library card and pin here: Media Lab Reservations. Then select “sound lab” and “future bookings”. When you come to the calendar, select the arrow at the top of the calendar box until it moves you to the correct month and date. Available dates will be highlighted, while dates that are too far in the future will be in shadow. Select the time you would like to book your reservation and complete. Or you may call our reference desk at any time and they can assist you with making this booking: (949) 717-3860. If you need any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.Another great program, Terry. Thank you so much for all your work and effort, and those of your colleagues who assist with the free author events. I really appreciate it so much.Thank you for your email. I am very happy to know that you enjoyed the Nicola Harrison Meet the Author event. I did too! Hope to see you at the next one. I would like to see a 3-D printer added at the Newport Beach Public Library. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We appreciate the opportunity to improve our services whenever we can. We will discuss the logistics of adding a 3-D printer to the Media Lab and decide if it’s feasible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any other questions or concerns.16
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTSSEPTEMBER 2023Comment # CommentResponseDate ReceivedSource of CommentStaff MemberStaff Member TitleDate Responded to Patron 1309/29/2023Phone & EmailAllison SarnowskiAdministrative Support Technician10/2/2023 & 10/3/20231409/30/2023EmailRebecca LightfootLibrary Services Manager10/02/2023I was wondering if you guys had any career opportunities for undergraduate college students. I hope to hear back from you and thank you for your time.Thank you for your interest in working for the Library! All of our job openings are posted on the City’s website here... You can also fill out a job interest card on the City’s website to be notified by email whenever a new job in the Library is posted... I hope that helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you.We spoke on the phone this morning about wanting to get a booth at the library to hand out free Child IDs for the upcoming events; the Magic Show on October 27 and the Halloween Party on October 31st. As I briefly mentioned in our phone conversation, I would be handing out Child IDs for these events to raise child safety and awareness. I would greatly appreciate it if you'd have us as we strive to keep our community safe. Attached to this email, you can find a flyer with information regarding the Child IDs. If you have any questions or more information, feel free to reach out. Hope to hear back from you! ... I appreciate your response, hope your weekend was great! Just to confirm, we are then allowed to participate in the events I mentioned? If so, do I reserve the space with you or how do I go about this process? ... Thank you for the clarification, Allison, it makes sense. I will follow the rules of the expressive area if and when I plan on using the area. If I have any further questions, I'll be reaching out to you.Thank you for the information you provided. Although you are not permitted to set up or hand out anything inside the Library, you may independently use our specific Expressive Use Areas outside the Library. Please click on this link...and be sure to review all details to fully understand what is, and what is not, allowed. I am attaching diagrams here that will be helpful as well. Feel free to contact me again if you have any further questions. Thanks! ... I apologize for any confusion. Unfortunately, your organization is not allowed to participate in the events that take place at the Library. We are not able to sponsor, promote or partner with you. If you decide to use the Expressive Use Area(s) outside the Library on the days of any particular Library event, then you may do so according to the policy here... We do not take advance reservations for use of that space, so it may not be available upon your arrival. Nonetheless, if you would like to attempt to use the space, you will need to check in with Library Administration prior to setting anything up. Just to confirm, you are not permitted to participate in the events you inquired about, nor may you imply to the public that you have any connection to events at the Library. Please feel free to call me if you have any further questions about our policies. Thanks!17
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
October 16, 2023
Agenda Item No. 4
MELISSA HARTSON, LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
California State Parks Passes
Last year, the California State Library began a park pass program to provide free vehicle day-use entry to
participating state parks. The Library received numerous passes to check out to our patrons. We recently
received notification from the State Library that our parks pass circulation has the Library ranked 2nd in
the state for number of checkouts per pass among California libraries reporting their statistics. We are
glad to be able to offer this service and pleased with the continued interest from our patrons.
Café Space
The City’s Community Development Department (CDD) has listed the lease for the vacant café space at
the Central Library. CDD will hold an Open House on Wednesday, November 8, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. for
interested tenants. The Library looks forward to something new, fresh, and delicious when the space is
occupied once again.
WHEELHOUSE LIST FOR LIBRARY TRUSTEES
• Library Live: Lisa See **SOLD OUT**
Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
• Sunday Musicale: Elixir Piano Trio
Sunday, November 12, 3 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
• Medicine in Our Backyard: Healthy Aging
Monday, October 23, 7 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
• Spotlight on Science: Artificial Intelligence
Wednesday, November 15, 7 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
• Library Live: Steve Lopez **SOLD OUT**
Wednesday, November 1, 7 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
• Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Monday, November 20, 5 p.m.
Central Library
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949) 717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
TITLE: Report of September Library Activities – October 16, 2023 Meeting
24
Report of September Library Activities
October 16, 2023
Page 2
REBECCA LIGHTFOOT, LIBRARY SERVICES MANAGER
Programming
In September, the Library hosted Storytellers 2.0. This 3-class series is a next level workshop offered only
to participants who have completed the first Storytellers Writing Workshop series. Many of these
returners were so excited to continue and see each other again; the class felt like a reunion of old friends.
Another example of the Library creating community!
Monthly Sunday Musicales began for the season in September, featuring piano duo Suejin Jung and Jason
Stoll. There were about 140 in attendance and the duo received a standing ovation.
The Library also hosted a Meet the Author event featuring Nicola Harrison and her historical fiction novel,
Hotel Laguna. This turned out to be a popular event with 188 in attendance. Ms. Harrison gave a delightful
presentation, fielded many Q&A, took several pictures with the audience, and signed many books. The
Library gave away hardcover copies of her novel to the first 25 attendees to arrive.
Literacy
Literacy staff hosted new tutor and learner orientations.
Christina Smith, the new Literacy Department Assistant, joined the team on September 26.
September 14 marked the Library’s International Literacy Day celebration. Fifty-seven members of the
Project Adult Literacy community joined us to celebrate Literacy. Matt Kern, from Senator Dave Min’s
office, presented certificates. The Hoffman sisters, Risa and Renee, were able to attend and present three
learners with the Hoffman Memorial Award. Councilmember Robyn Grant read the City’s Literacy
Proclamation.
Training
Staff participated in a live webinar on Issues Common to People Dealing with Substance Abuse.
ANNIKA HELMUTH, BRANCH AND YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR
Branches
The branches continued successful youth programming in September with storytimes as well as
afterschool programs for children ages 6 – 11. Corona del Mar Branch hosted a variety of programs from
Drop-in Crafts to Seek & Find and Sensory Play. At Balboa Branch, little swashbucklers made Pirate Day
hats, maps, and parrot pal puppets at the branch’s annual pirate program. And at Mariners Branch, the
BARK program, which encourages children to read to dogs, was popular with 32 children and caretakers
in attendance.
In personnel news, Mariners full-time Library Assistant Janice Nikula attended a training regarding signs
and effects of substance abuse and Corona del Mar full-time Library Clerk Daisy Hernandez completed
four Niche Training webinars on working with vulnerable populations.
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Report of September Library Activities
October 16, 2023
Page 3
Youth Services
A series of monthly programs began in September with a few notable new programs. On Family Game
Day, participants choose from a variety of games. A few families spent the hour playing a round of Uno
together, a girl and her grandfather tried out chess, and a brother and sister played Candyland.
Makerspace, also new, is an hour of open-ended creating with various art materials and techniques. This
month’s focus was paint. From watercolor resist art to messy marble rolling art, everyone was creative in
their own way. Middle Grade Book Club, for book lovers in 4th – 6th grade, meets every third Thursday of
the Month. September’s book was Stand Up Yumi Chung. Participants discussed the book with
conversations about how relatable the characters in the book were and how the characters were all
supportive of each other in their own ways. Participants also had an opportunity to try out their own
"standup routines" and play a few rounds of an improv game. It was a successful first book club. Read to
a Dog, Crafternoon, and LEGO all returned in September as well. At the end of the month, the
Environmental Nature Center visited the Central Library with four stories and corresponding animals for
participants to meet. Animals included a click beetle, a toad, a snake, and a rabbit.
Children’s Librarians Christine Lefter, Jasmin Avila, and Christine Chapel attended a storytime training
workshop at the Mission Viejo Library with keynote speaker, Jim Gill. Gill is a musician and author with 20
years of experience directing programs in music play for families with children. In this energizing session,
Jim shared examples of his award-winning songs and musical books that combine opportunities for active
movement with word play and rhymes. Specifically designed for library professionals, staff left the session
thinking about new strategies to apply to weekly library storytimes.
Outreach
Over a two-day visit, Librarians Alex Johnkins and Christine Lefter and Library Assistants Greg Johnson and
Danielle Yang presented library databases to the seventh-grade students at MacArthur Fundamental
Intermediate School with focus on resources in support of their upcoming National History Day projects.
Staff also shared volunteering opportunities as well as information about future college prep workshops.
It was a fun, engaging visit with good questions from the students and school faculty.
Library staff also hosted two separate homeschool groups for visits to the Central Library in September.
Students and their parents joined staff for tours of the facility and discussions of library rules, materials,
and resources with special highlights on Library events and the Media Lab. Parents noted how inviting the
facility was and how the Library’s digital resources and the upcoming programs extend the learning they
do as homeschool families.
ANDREW KACHATURIAN, CIRCULATION AND TECHNICAL PROCESSING COORDINATOR
Library Card Sign-up Month
September was Library Card Sign-up Month. Signs-up were encouraged by staff and promoted throughout
September including at the City Employee Health Fair, resulting in 1,021 new accounts in September,
which is about 200 more than the monthly average so far this year.
Staffing
One part-time Library Clerk candidate is in background and will begin at the Central Library in early
October. There are three remaining vacancies for part-time Library Clerk and one vacancy for Library
Page.
26
Report of September Library Activities
October 16, 2023
Page 4
Facilities
Public Works completed a Capital Improvement Project at Mariners Branch to replace HVAC equipment
in the chiller yard. Chilling and heating are working as expected and there is an updated user interface to
monitor the building. This is a wonderful improvement to Mariners Branch.
ERIN SPIVEY, ADULT SERVICES COORDINATOR
Collection
During September, we added 47 individual titles to our catalog at the request of patrons. If we are unable
to purchase a specific title for a patron, we offer a robust inter-library loan program. Over July and August,
we were able to borrow 14 titles for our patrons. Additionally, we lent over 80 titles to partnering libraries.
Library Assistant Erik Gunderson assisted one of our regular ILL users who needed an obscure journal
article from a German publication that proved elusive. Erik took it upon himself to write to the author, a
professor at Manchester University in England, informing him of the issue locating his article. The
professor and author cheerfully responded the next day and sent us a PDF copy for free. He was delighted
that someone was interested in this paper he wrote on a “recondite” topic.
Our staff works tirelessly, often going above and beyond, to connect patrons with the materials they want.
Training
Librarian Rosemary Hammock attended the two-part training for Maximizing Supervisory Skills for the
First Line Supervisor.
Tours/Outreach
Working with the Easterseals of Southern California (a nonprofit focused on assisting people with
disabilities to be full and equal participants in society), Erin Spivey provided a library tour and discussion
on career opportunities in the Library.
Librarians Jeremey Rodriguez and Christine Lefter welcomed about 30 staff and members from
Independent Endeavor, an organization that seeks to provide empowerment for individuals with special
needs, primarily persons with developmental disabilities. The group enjoyed a Library tour and overview
of library technology resources including the Media Center, Libby, Kanopy, and Tech Toys collection.
Teens
Library Assistant Danielle Yang focused on Teen Services, hosting several teen events in September.
On September 14, the new teen volunteers attended the first Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC)
Meeting of the school year, and 14 teens attended. After conducting surveys at the end of last year, YAAC
members expressed an interest in doing more substantial activities during the meetings that would be
community service or leadership oriented. Teens came up with a fun scavenger hunt program for October
in the teen room.
The PSAT/SAT Tests are Going Digital Program had a total of 12 attendees on September 18. Our
Collegewise counselor helped talk parents through some of the changes that are happening with these
exams. The counselor was able to address some of the anxiety that families were feeling regarding many
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Report of September Library Activities
October 16, 2023
Page 5
of the changes that college admissions has gone through over the past couple years and stayed after the
program to answer individual question.
The September 27 program on Highly Selective College Admissions boasted a total of 22 attendees. We
received several comments from parents letting us know how valuable they found this service. Our final
College Prep program of 2023 will be October 18, and will focus on How to Make Your Common App A Lot
Less Common.
28
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024
Tracked by #searches
A to Z Databases 1740 1695 1229 4664
Ancestry 976 937 881 2794
AskART 55 22 *77
Brainfuse JobNow/VetNow 82 48 43 173
Britannica School Edition 23 4 126 153
Exploring Race in Society 2 0 14 16
Gale Archives Unbound 1977 7446 1971 11394
Gale Directory Library 17 2 0 19
Gale in Context: Biography 9 7 21 37
Gale in Context: Elementary 10 23 10 43
Gale in Context: Opposing View 8 1 33 42
Gale Literature Resource Center 8 2 14 24
Gale Virtual Reference Library 46 28 12 86
HeritageQuest 224 241 140 605
Legal Information Ref Center 72 65 25 162
National Geographic 24 14 62 100
National Geographic Kids 23 13 45 81
NewsBank 1292 1211 1634 4137
NoveList Plus 48 84 37 169
NoveList K-8 Plus 22 44 22 88
ProQuest 2587 2605 2748 7940
Proquest eLibrary 2 4 1 7
Reference Solutions Business 1883 614 389 2886
Reference Solutions Residential 91 32 34 157
SIRS Discoverer 0 3 15 18
SIRS Issues Researcher 192 3 4 199
World Book Online 4 8 99 111
Tracked by #page views
Artist Works 4 3 3 10
Consumer Reports 3496 2508 2216 8220
CultureGrams 26 45 22 93
Morningstar 5899 5543 123 11565
RealQuest 11 0 403 414
Tumblebooks 12 24 16 52
Value Line 13295 11823 13609 38727
Tracked by courses
LinkedIn Learning 349 190 200 739
Tracked by books logged
Beanstack 10374 4111 3584 18069
Tracked by Hours Used
ABC Mouse 27.68 30.40 18.77 76.85
Beanstack 4603 199 103 4905
Rosetta Stone 16.12 47.18 23.15 86.45
Notes:
* Information currently unavailable. Will add when received.
Database FY Comparisons YTD 23/24
Proquest Articles Retrieved 2023-2024
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun AVG.
Business Databases 1322 943 1235 1167
Newspapers--Current 656 1022 919 866
Newspapers--Historical 1966 3410 1962 2446
Magazines 19 22 12 18
29
NBPL Website Usage 2023-24
Metric Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Total Users 23559 23192 20322 22358 67073
New Users 22806 22634 19381 21607 64821
Sessions 44852 41809 38321 41661 124982
Pageviews 97997 72390 67543 79310 237930
Sessions Per User 2 2 2 2 --
Pages Per Session 2 2 2 2 --
Avg. Session Dur. (min)3 3 3 3 --
Bounce Rate (%)54 58 56 56 --
Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Total Data Transferred (GB) 2023-24
Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Balboa 240 157 342 246 739
CdM 220 242 144 202 606
Mariners 1710 1500 1660 1623 4870
Central 11410 12170 12450 12010 36030
Total 13580 14069 14596 14082 42245
Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Total Unique Patrons 2023-24
Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Balboa 518 445 401 455 1364
CdM 470 449 392 437 1311
Mariners 1575 1578 1679 1611 4832
Central 8775 9524 9451 9250 27750
Total 11338 11996 11923 11752 35257
Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Average Number of Patrons Per Day 2023-24
Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Balboa 44 41 40 42 125
CdM 30 30 26 29 86
Mariners 124 125 139 129 388
Central 654 661 651 655 1966
Total 852 857 856 855 2565
Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Average Usage Per Patron (MB) 2023-24
Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Balboa 474 361 874 570 1709
CdM 480 552 376 469 1408
Mariners 1110 999 1010 1040 3119
Central 1330 1310 1350 1330 3990
Total 3394 3222 3610 3409 10226
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SEP 23 YTD 23/24 YTD 22/23
BALBOA 2,097 7,166 8,873
CdM 3,877 11,579 9,777
MARINERS 22,400 66,180 64,051
CENTRAL 53,918 169,774 178,520
eBooks 7,608 24,060 22,807
eMagazines 2,627 6,399 6,185
eAudiobooks 6,210 19,039 17,920
Streaming Films 1,355 3,644 2,179
TOTAL 100,092 307,841 310,312
OCT 22 100,128
NOV 22 93,338
DEC 22 90,480
JAN 23 97,351
FEB 23 89,534
MAR 23 102,817
APR 23 94,662
MAY 23 96,156
JUN 23 98,173
JUL 23 104,890
AUG 23 102,859
SEP 23 100,092
TOTAL 1,170,480
12 Month Comparison
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - SEPTEMBER 2023
CIRCULATION
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
eBooks
eMagazines
eAudiobooks
Streaming Films
85,000
90,000
95,000
100,000
105,000
110,000
OCT 22 NOV 22 DEC 22 JAN 23 FEB 23 MAR 23 APR 23 MAY 23 JUN 23 JUL 23 AUG 23 SEP 23
1,598,265
1,610,818
1,529,391
1,464,640
1,424,594
1,376,041
1,084,526
1,043,629
1,195,151 1,172,951
1,000,000
1,125,000
1,250,000
1,375,000
1,500,000
1,625,000
1,750,000
FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18 FY 18/19 FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY 21/22 FY 22/23
CIRCULATION
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SEP 23 YTD 23/24 YTD 22/23
BALBOA 464 1,301 1,201
CdM 487 2,145 2,060
MARINERS 1,955 6,172 5,400
CENTRAL 6,531 20,821 19,844
TOTAL 9,437 30,439 28,505
12 Month Comparison
OCT 22 8,944
NOV 22 7,898
DEC 22 7,081
JAN 23 8,577
FEB 23 8,486
MAR 23 10,508
APR 23 8,626
MAY 23 8,917
JUN 23 10,700
JUL 23 10,933
AUG 23 10,069
SEP 23 9,437
TOTAL 110,176
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - SEPTEMBER 2023
REFERENCE
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
6,500
7,500
8,500
9,500
10,500
11,500
OCT 22 NOV 22 DEC 22 JAN 23 FEB 23 MAR 23 APR 23 MAY 23 JUN 23 JUL 23 AUG 23 SEP 23
190,391 168,496
162,510
157,149
156,521
163,392
131,445
78,088
105,958
108,242
70,000
90,000
110,000
130,000
150,000
170,000
190,000
FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18 FY 18/19 FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY 21/22 FY 22/23
REFERENCE
32
SEP 23 YTD 23/24 YTD 22/23
BALBOA 2,054 6,563 6,907
CdM 2,829 9,306 7,648
MARINERS 12,512 35,770 32,416
CENTRAL 36,925 115,374 107,714
TOTAL 54,320 167,013 154,685
12 Month Comparison
OCT 22 52,173
NOV 22 44,903
DEC 22 45,996
JAN 23 50,627
FEB 23 50,358
MAR 23 59,398
APR 23 59,010
MAY 23 53,465
JUN 23 52,680
JUL 23 55,882
AUG 23 56,811
SEP 23 54,320
TOTAL 635,623
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - SEPTEMBER 2023
PATRONS SERVED
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
40,000
45,000
50,000
55,000
60,000
65,000
OCT 22 NOV 22 DEC 22 JAN 23 FEB 23 MAR 23 APR 23 MAY 23 JUN 23 JUL 23 AUG 23 SEP 23
1,399,841
1,256,238 1,209,719
1,102,106
1,158,344
935,953
636,072
145,463
512,178 623,295
100,000
300,000
500,000
700,000
900,000
1,100,000
1,300,000
1,500,000
FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18 FY 18/19 FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY 21/22 FY 22/23
PATRONS SERVED IN LIBRARY
33
SEP 23 YTD 23/24 YTD 22/23
BALBOA 200 542 362
CdM 596 1,729 1,431
MARINERS 648 1,970 1,672
CENTRAL 8,407 18,876 18,656
TOTAL 9,851 23,117 22,121
12 Month Comparison
OCT 22 8,647
NOV 22 5,232
DEC 22 4,915
JAN 23 4,244
FEB 23 5,328
MAR 23 6,022
APR 23 6,001
MAY 23 8,113
JUN 23 7,670
JUL 23 9,541
AUG 23 3,725
SEP 23 9,851
TOTAL 79,289
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - SEPTEMBER 2023
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
OCT 22 NOV 22 DEC 22 JAN 23 FEB 23 MAR 23 APR 23 MAY 23 JUN 23 JUL 23 AUG 23 SEP 23
49,977
64,473
67,646 69,922
70,430
68,241
68,078
52,678
64,397
78,293
45,000
55,000
65,000
75,000
85,000
FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18 FY 18/19 FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY 21/22 FY 22/23
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
34
LIBRARY EXPENDITURES FY 2023-24
(October 3, 2023)
ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION
ORIGINAL
APPROP
REVISED
BUDGET
YTD
EXPENDED
MONTHLY
EXPENDED
AVAILABLE
BUDGET
I SALARY & BENEFITS
SALARY FULL-TIME REGULAR 3,156,337 3,156,337 685,514 234,464 2,470,823
SALARY PART-TIME 1,279,860 1,279,860 201,635 66,804 1,078,225
BENEFITS 2,247,901 2,369,508 534,809 178,482 1,834,698
SALARY & BENEFITS TOTAL 6,684,098 6,805,705 1,421,958 479,749 5,383,746
II MAINT & OPERATION
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE*207,488 207,488 36,656 870 170,832
UTILITIES 372,933 372,933 132,347 44,619 240,586
PROGRAMMING 2,000 4,000 1,656 20 2,344
SUPPLIES**82,800 83,146 21,426 10,581 61,720
LIBRARY MATERIALS 669,740 670,487 298,500 99,826 371,987
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 250,275 260,864 42,768 25,852 218,097
TRAINING AND TRAVEL 10,681 10,681 47 0 10,634
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES***24,202 25,920 3,991 1,200 21,930
PERIPHERALS & SOFTWARE 5,000 5,000 0 0 5,000
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS 1,693,396 1,693,396 423,349 141,116 1,270,047
OFFICE EQUIPMENT 2,000 2,000 0 0 2,000
MAINT & OPERATION TOTAL 3,320,516 3,335,917 960,739 324,084 2,375,178
LIBRARY BUDGET TOTAL 10,004,613 10,141,622 2,382,697 803,834 7,758,924
*PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - INCLUDE OUTSIDE PRINTING, JANITORIAL, WINDOW SERVICE
**INCLUDES OFFICE , PROCESSING AND JANITORIAL SUPPLIES
***INCLUDES, ADVERTISING, DUES, EVENT INSURANCE
35
FY 2023-24
(October 3, 2023)
DATE FUNDED AMOUNT PURPOSE
AMT EXPENDED
YTD NOTES
JULY 2023 WISH LIST
150,000 NEW MATERIALS 0 SPENDING TO BEGIN THIRD QUARTER
50,000 PROGRAMMING 0 SPENDING TO BEGIN THIRD QUARTER
TOTAL 200,000 0
DATE FUNDED AMOUNT PURPOSE
AMT EXPENDED
YTD NOTES
SEPT 2023 WISH LIST
16,980 LIBRARY MATERIALS 2,380 IN PROGRESS
23,000 FURNITURE 0 SPENDING TO BEGIN SECOND QUARTER
TOTAL 39,980 2,380
FRIENDS
FOUNDATION
36
Previous
Agenda Date AGENDA ITEM Scheduled
Agenda Date
Ongoing Ongoing
Ongoing Ongoing
Ongoing Ongoing
Oct 17, 2022 Oct 16, 2023
Oct 17, 2022 Oct 16, 2023
Dec 19, 2022 Dec 11, 2023
Dec 11, 2023
Jan 17, 2023 Jan 16, 2024
Feb 21, 2023 Feb 20, 2024
Feb 21, 2023 Feb 20, 2024
Mar 20, 2023 Mar 18, 2024
Apr 17, 2023 Apr 15, 2024
Apr 17, 2023 Apr 15, 2024
May 15, 2023 May 20, 2024
May 15, 2023 May 20, 2024
May 15, 2023 May 20, 2024
Jun 19, 2023 Jun 17, 2024
Jun 19, 2023 Jun 17, 2024
Jul 17, 2023 Jul 15, 2024
Jul 17, 2023 Jul 15, 2024
Aug 21, 2023 Aug 19, 2024
Aug 21, 2023 Aug 19, 2024
Sep 18, 2023 Sep 16, 2024
LAST
REVIEWED POLICY REVIEW
Sep 18, 2023 NBPL 2 Collection Development Policy Oct 16, 2023
Nov 15, 2021 NBPL 15 The Library Lecture Hall Nov 20, 2023
Dec 20, 2021 NBPL 10 Laptop Borrowing Policy Dec 11, 2023
Feb 22, 2022 NBPL 3 Library Gift and Donor Policy Feb 20, 2024
Jul 18, 2022 CC I-1 Library Services Policy (Council Policy I -1)Jul 15, 2024
Aug 15, 2022 NBPL 2 Collection Development Policy Aug 19, 2024
Sep 19, 2022 NBPL 9 Expressive Use Areas Sep 16, 2024
Nov 21, 2022 NBPL 6 Media Lab Use Policy Nov 18, 2024
Nov 21, 2022 NBPL 7 Sound Lab Use Policy Nov 18, 2024
Jan 17, 2023 NBPL 12 Circulation Policy Jan 21, 2025
Jan 17, 2023 NBPL 5 Internet Use Policy Jan 21, 2025
Jan 17, 2023 NBPL 11 Rules for Acceptable Use of Wireless Internet Connections Jan 21, 2025
Feb 21, 2022 NBPL 8 Display and Distribution of Materials Policy Feb 18, 2025
Apr 17, 2023 NBPL 1 Library Use Policy Apr 21, 2025
Apr 17, 2023 NBPL 13 Study Rooms/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy Apr 21, 2025
Jun 19, 2023 NBPL 4 Children in the Library Policy Jun 16, 2025
Aug 21, 2023 NBPL 14 The Friends Meeting Room Aug 18, 2025
Performance Review of Library Services Director (Closed Session)
Policy Review (See List Below)
Review Holidays / Meeting Schedule
December 2023 Regular Meeting Rescheduled
Annual Budget - Approval
Youth Services Update
Election of Board of Library Trustees Officers/Trustee Liaisons
Financial Report Comparison of Beginning Budget to End of the Year Amended Budget (Every June)
Literacy Program Update
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES MONITORING LIST
Lecture Hall Update
Balboa Branch Replacement Update
Annual Budget - Preliminary Review
Branch Update - CDM
Arts & Cultural Update
Newport Beach Public Library eBranch, Database and Downloadable Services Review
Information Technology Update
Adult and Reference Services Update
Branch Update - Mariners
Branch Update - Balboa
Library Material Selection
Marketing Update & Social Networking Update
Media Lab Update
Proposed Library Closures for Winter Holidays
37
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
October 16, 2023
Agenda Item No. 7
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve the proposed amendments to Library
Policy NBPL 2, Collection Development Policy, made by the Collection Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
DISCUSSION:
A Collection Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee was formed at the Board of Library Trustees’ August 21, 2023
meeting for the purpose of preparing proposed amendments to Library Policy NBPL 2, Collection Development
Policy. The ad hoc subcommittee met at the end of September to incorporate additional policy language for
which the Board of Library Trustees discussed at its September 18 meeting.
The ad hoc subcommittee recommends adding the following language to the existing policy:
•Include “or the Library Services Director may take other actions pursuant to the Collection
Maintenance section in this Policy” in the Patron Rights section of the policy.
•Add the following clause to the Collection Maintenance section of the policy:
o “The Library and the Library Services Director are continually evaluating the collection and, on
their own initiative, may take actions with respect to the collection based on this Policy.”
In addition, the ad hoc subcommittee recommends changing references of “Collection Development Policy”
within the document to “this Policy.”
The Office of the City Attorney has reviewed the draft amendments to the policy.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which
the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
ATTACHMENT A: Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2) – original
ATTACHMENT B: Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2) – red-lined
ATTACHMENT C: Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2) – final
ATTACHMENT D: Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
TITLE: Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2)
38
1
NBPL 2
Collection Development Policy
The Library seeks to provide breadth and depth within the collection, various points of view, and
differing formats. The Library endeavors to balance materials of permanent value with those of
current interest. Materials are selected based on their content as a whole, not on selected excerpts.
Race, nationality, or political, social, moral, or religious views of an author will not affect the
selection of materials.
Collection Objectives
It is the intent of the Board of Library Trustees that the Newport Beach Public Library provides a
contemporary, relevant collection of resources in order to meet the informational, educational and
recreational needs of the entire community. The Library strives to meet these needs within the
limitations of space, budget and availability of items.
Selection is based on merit of the work; value of the work within the collection; and the needs and
interests of the community. Consideration is given to specific types of material; to materials for
specific age groups; to materials for special interests of patrons; and to differing formats of
materials. These selection criteria will apply equally to materials purchased and to those accepted
as gifts.
Responsibility of Selection
Ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the Library Services Director, who operates
within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board. The Library Services Director
delegates the major responsibility of materials selection to the Librarians on staff.
Guidelines for Materials Selection
Collection Development is based on these specific criteria:
•Community needs, interests and demands
•Significance and compatibility of the work to the collection
•Recommendations of reviews from professional journals or publications of national repute
•Reputation and qualifications of the author, illustrator, publisher or producer
•Availability of other information on the subject
•Literary, artistic, historical, scientific or intellectual merit
•Suitability of format
•Author or creator already has popular works in the collection
•Significance of the author’s work to the Newport Beach area
•Suitability of subject and style to intended audience
The importance or weight of each of these factors will vary from one acquisition to another, others may
be considered, and materials for adults, teens and children will each be judged differently.
Patrons making requests that items be added to the permanent collection will be referred to the
“Suggest a Title” form located on the Library’s website. Suggestions from Library patrons are
encouraged and receive serious consideration.
ATTACHMENT A
39
2
Reciprocal Lending
Many items which are not in the collection are available to Library patrons, through established
interlibrary loan practices. Concurrently, the Library participates in universal borrowing, established
by the California Library Services Act, Article 4, California Education Code Section 18731, which
states, “A California public library may participate in universal borrowing. A public library
participating in universal borrowing shall not exclude the residents of any jurisdiction maintaining a
public library.” This allows Newport Beach Public Library patrons direct access to materials housed
in other participating public libraries in Orange County and throughout the State of California.
Patron Rights
The Library believes that the use of library materials is an individual and private matter. Parents and
caregivers have the primary responsibility to guide and direct the use of library materials by the
minor children under their care and supervision.
In support of the above principles, in general the Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights and The
Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library Association Council.
Library patrons with concerns about a specific title in the collection shall be provided with a copy of
the Library's "Collection Development Policy" and asked to complete the "Patron’s Request for
Evaluation of Library Resources" form, Attachment I of the Collection Development Policy.
Library staff shall evaluate the material, based on the "Collection Development Policy" established
by the Board of Library Trustees. A recommendation shall be forwarded to the Library Services
Director who shall respond in writing to the patron. Once the Library Services Director has
responded, copies of the Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources and the response
shall be provided to the Board of Library Trustees at its subsequent regular meeting.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Policy, any materials in the Children’s
Collection or Teen Collection considered not age appropriate by the Library Services Director will be
relocated to another Library location. Any unresolved concerns shall be referred to the Board of
Library Trustees for final decision.
Donations
The Library only accepts materials in useable condition. All donations become the sole property of
the Newport Beach Public Library upon receipt and cannot be returned. The Library reserves the
right to decide whether donated items are added to the collection and to determine the conditions
of display, storage and access.
All donated materials added to the collection must meet the same collection criteria as purchased
materials. Donated items not added to the collection are given to the Friends of the Newport Beach
Public Library for sale in their bookstore. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library Bookstore
directly benefit the Library.
Collection Maintenance
To maintain the quality and relevance of the collection, the Library regularly withdraws materials
that are worn, outdated, superseded or obsolete. Space limitations require that duplicate copies no
longer in demand also be withdrawn.
As materials become worn, damaged, or lost, replacement will be based on whether or not:
•The item is still available
•There is an ongoing demand or need
40
3
•Another item or format might better serve the same purpose
•Updated, newer, or revised materials would better replace a given item
•Another library system could better provide the item or a comparable item in the future
[Attachment I – Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources]
Adopted - October 22, 1990
Amended - October 28, 1991
Amended - January 24, 1994
Reassigned - April 8, 2003
Corrected (Att. II) – October 10, 2006
Revisions Approved – November 16, 2010
Amendments Approved by City Council – September 27, 2011
Amended – August 20, 2018
Formerly I-16
Amended – August 17, 2020
Amended – August 15, 2022
Amended – September 18, 2023
This Policy will be periodically reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees on the first to occur of (i) as
circumstances may require or (ii) every two years from the date of adoption, last amendment, or last
review. Adopted, last amended, or last reviewed on September 18, 2023.
41
1
NBPL 2
Collection Development Policy
The Library seeks to provide breadth and depth within the collection, various points of view, and
differing formats. The Library endeavors to balance materials of permanent value with those of
current interest. Materials are selected based on their content as a whole, not on selected excerpts.
Race, nationality, or political, social, moral, or religious views of an author will not affect the
selection of materials.
Collection Objectives
It is the intent of the Board of Library Trustees that the Newport Beach Public Library provides a
contemporary, relevant collection of resources in order to meet the informational, educational and
recreational needs of the entire community. The Library strives to meet these needs within the
limitations of space, budget and availability of items.
Selection is based on merit of the work; value of the work within the collection; and the needs and
interests of the community. Consideration is given to specific types of material; to materials for
specific age groups; to materials for special interests of patrons; and to differing formats of
materials. These selection criteria will apply equally to materials purchased and to those accepted
as gifts.
Responsibility of Selection
Ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the Library Services Director, who operates
within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board. The Library Services Director
delegates the major responsibility of materials selection to the Librarians on staff.
Guidelines for Materials Selection
Collection Development is based on these specific criteria:
•Community needs, interests and demands
•Significance and compatibility of the work to the collection
•Recommendations of reviews from professional journals or publications of national repute
•Reputation and qualifications of the author, illustrator, publisher or producer
•Availability of other information on the subject
•Literary, artistic, historical, scientific or intellectual merit
•Suitability of format
•Author or creator already has popular works in the collection
•Significance of the author’s work to the Newport Beach area
•Suitability of subject and style to intended audience
The importance or weight of each of these factors will vary from one acquisition to another, others may
be considered, and materials for adults, teens and children will each be judged differently.
Patrons making requests that items be added to the permanent collection will be referred to the
“Suggest a Title” form located on the Library’s website. Suggestions from Library patrons are
encouraged and receive serious consideration.
ATTACHMENT B
42
2
Reciprocal Lending
Many items which are not in the collection are available to Library patrons, through established
interlibrary loan practices. Concurrently, the Library participates in universal borrowing, established
by the California Library Services Act, Article 4, California Education Code Section 18731, which
states, “A California public library may participate in universal borrowing. A public library
participating in universal borrowing shall not exclude the residents of any jurisdiction maintaining a
public library.” This allows Newport Beach Public Library patrons direct access to materials housed
in other participating public libraries in Orange County and throughout the State of California.
Patron Rights
The Library believes that the use of library materials is an individual and private matter. Parents and
caregivers have the primary responsibility to guide and direct the use of library materials by the
minor children under their care and supervision.
In support of the above principles, in general the Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights and The
Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library Association Council.
Library patrons with concerns about a specific title in the collection shall be provided with a copy of
the Library's "Collection Development Policy" this Policy and asked to complete the "Patron’s
Request for Evaluation of Library Resources" form, Attachment I of the Collection Developmentto
this Policy.
Library staff shall evaluate the material, based on the "Collection Development Policy"this Policy
established by the Board of Library Trustees. A recommendation shall be forwarded to the Library
Services Director who shall respond in writing to the patron. Once the Library Services Director has
responded, copies of the Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources and the response
shall be provided to the Board of Library Trustees at its subsequent regular meeting.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Policy, any materials in the Children’s
Collection or Teen Collection considered not age appropriate by the Library Services Director will be
relocated to another Library location or the Library Services Director may take other actions
pursuant to the Collection Maintenance section in this Policy. Any unresolved concerns shall be
referred to the Board of Library Trustees for final decisionresolution.
Donations
The Library only accepts materials in useable condition. All donations become the sole property of
the Newport Beach Public Library upon receipt and cannot be returned. The Library reserves the
right to decide whether donated items are added to the collection and to determine the conditions
of display, storage and access.
All donated materials added to the collection must meet the same collection criteria as purchased
materials. Donated items not added to the collection are given to the Friends of the Newport Beach
Public Library for sale in their bookstore. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library Bookstore
directly benefit the Library.
Collection Maintenance
The Library and the Library Services Director are continually evaluating the collection and, on their
own initiative, may take actions with respect to the collection based on this Policy.
43
3
To maintain the quality and relevance of the collection, the Library regularly withdraws materials
that are worn, outdated, superseded or obsolete. Space limitations require that duplicate copies no
longer in demand also be withdrawn.
As materials become worn, damaged, or lost, replacement will be based on whether or not:
•The item is still available
•There is an ongoing demand or need
•Another item or format might better serve the same purpose
•Updated, newer, or revised materials would better replace a given item
•Another library system could better provide the item or a comparable item in the future
[Attachment I – Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources]
Adopted - October 22, 1990
Amended - October 28, 1991
Amended - January 24, 1994
Reassigned - April 8, 2003
Corrected (Att. II) – October 10, 2006
Revisions Approved – November 16, 2010
Amendments Approved by City Council – September 27, 2011
Amended – August 20, 2018
Formerly I-16
Amended – August 17, 2020
Amended – August 15, 2022
Amended – September 18, 2023
Amended – October 16, 2023
This Policy will be periodically reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees on the first to occur of (i) as
circumstances may require or (ii) every two years from the date of adoption, last amendment, or last
review. Adopted, last amended, or last reviewed on September 18October 16, 2023.
44
1
NBPL 2
Collection Development Policy
The Library seeks to provide breadth and depth within the collection, various points of view, and
differing formats. The Library endeavors to balance materials of permanent value with those of
current interest. Materials are selected based on their content as a whole, not on selected excerpts.
Race, nationality, or political, social, moral, or religious views of an author will not affect the
selection of materials.
Collection Objectives
It is the intent of the Board of Library Trustees that the Newport Beach Public Library provides a
contemporary, relevant collection of resources in order to meet the informational, educational and
recreational needs of the entire community. The Library strives to meet these needs within the
limitations of space, budget and availability of items.
Selection is based on merit of the work; value of the work within the collection; and the needs and
interests of the community. Consideration is given to specific types of material; to materials for
specific age groups; to materials for special interests of patrons; and to differing formats of
materials. These selection criteria will apply equally to materials purchased and to those accepted
as gifts.
Responsibility of Selection
Ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the Library Services Director, who operates
within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board. The Library Services Director
delegates the major responsibility of materials selection to the Librarians on staff.
Guidelines for Materials Selection
Collection Development is based on these specific criteria:
•Community needs, interests and demands
•Significance and compatibility of the work to the collection
•Recommendations of reviews from professional journals or publications of national repute
•Reputation and qualifications of the author, illustrator, publisher or producer
•Availability of other information on the subject
•Literary, artistic, historical, scientific or intellectual merit
•Suitability of format
•Author or creator already has popular works in the collection
•Significance of the author’s work to the Newport Beach area
•Suitability of subject and style to intended audience
The importance or weight of each of these factors will vary from one acquisition to another, others may
be considered, and materials for adults, teens and children will each be judged differently.
Patrons making requests that items be added to the permanent collection will be referred to the
“Suggest a Title” form located on the Library’s website. Suggestions from Library patrons are
encouraged and receive serious consideration.
ATTACHMENT C
45
2
Reciprocal Lending
Many items which are not in the collection are available to Library patrons, through established
interlibrary loan practices. Concurrently, the Library participates in universal borrowing, established
by the California Library Services Act, Article 4, California Education Code Section 18731, which
states, “A California public library may participate in universal borrowing. A public library
participating in universal borrowing shall not exclude the residents of any jurisdiction maintaining a
public library.” This allows Newport Beach Public Library patrons direct access to materials housed
in other participating public libraries in Orange County and throughout the State of California.
Patron Rights
The Library believes that the use of library materials is an individual and private matter. Parents and
caregivers have the primary responsibility to guide and direct the use of library materials by the
minor children under their care and supervision.
In support of the above principles, in general the Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights and The
Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library Association Council.
Library patrons with concerns about a specific title in the collection shall be provided with a copy of
this Policy and asked to complete the "Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources" form,
Attachment I to this Policy.
Library staff shall evaluate the material, based on this Policy. A recommendation shall be forwarded
to the Library Services Director who shall respond in writing to the patron. Once the Library Services
Director has responded, copies of the Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources and the
response shall be provided to the Board of Library Trustees at its subsequent regular meeting.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Policy, any materials in the Children’s
Collection or Teen Collection considered not age appropriate by the Library Services Director will be
relocated to another Library location or the Library Services Director may take other actions
pursuant to the Collection Maintenance section in this Policy. Any unresolved concerns shall be
referred to the Board of Library Trustees for final resolution.
Donations
The Library only accepts materials in useable condition. All donations become the sole property of
the Newport Beach Public Library upon receipt and cannot be returned. The Library reserves the
right to decide whether donated items are added to the collection and to determine the conditions
of display, storage and access.
All donated materials added to the collection must meet the same collection criteria as purchased
materials. Donated items not added to the collection are given to the Friends of the Newport Beach
Public Library for sale in their bookstore. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library Bookstore
directly benefit the Library.
Collection Maintenance
The Library and the Library Services Director are continually evaluating the collection and, on their
own initiative, may take actions with respect to the collection based on this Policy.
To maintain the quality and relevance of the collection, the Library regularly withdraws materials
that are worn, outdated, superseded or obsolete. Space limitations require that duplicate copies no
longer in demand also be withdrawn.
46
3
As materials become worn, damaged, or lost, replacement will be based on whether or not:
•The item is still available
•There is an ongoing demand or need
•Another item or format might better serve the same purpose
•Updated, newer, or revised materials would better replace a given item
•Another library system could better provide the item or a comparable item in the future
[Attachment I – Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources]
Adopted - October 22, 1990
Amended - October 28, 1991
Amended - January 24, 1994
Reassigned - April 8, 2003
Corrected (Att. II) – October 10, 2006
Revisions Approved – November 16, 2010
Amendments Approved by City Council – September 27, 2011
Amended – August 20, 2018
Formerly I-16
Amended – August 17, 2020
Amended – August 15, 2022
Amended – September 18, 2023
Amended – October 16, 2023
This Policy will be periodically reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees on the first to occur of (i) as
circumstances may require or (ii) every two years from the date of adoption, last amendment, or last
review. Adopted, last amended, or last reviewed on October 16, 2023.
47
III-C
ATTACHMENT I
PATRON’S REQUEST FOR EVALUATION OF LIBRARY RESOURCES
We appreciate your interest in the materials which have been selected for inclusion in the
collection of the Newport Beach Public Library. If you have a concern about a specific item,
we would appreciate your assistance in addressing the matter. Please fill out this form and
return it to the Site Manager. The staff will evaluate the material and forward a
recommendation to the Library Services Director. This completed form and corresponding
response from the Library Services Director will be included in the Board of Library Trustees
agenda packet.
Name Date
Address
City State Zip Phone
Resources on which you were commenting:
Book Audiovisual Resource
Magazine Content of Library Program
Newspaper Other
1.Title
2.Author/Producer
3.What brought this title to your attention?
4.Have you seen or heard reviews of this material?
5.Please comment on the resource as a whole.
ATTACHMENT D
48
III-C
6.Please note your specific objections.
7.What resource(s) would you suggest, to provide additional information on this topic?
8.What action are you requesting the Library to consider (remove, relocate, add, other)?
Please use the back of this form if additional space is needed. Thank you for taking the
additional time to complete this form. Your request for evaluation will be given careful
consideration and a response provided.
Newport Beach Public Library
Newport Beach, California
Corrected - October 10, 2006
Revised – November 16, 2010
Revised – August 20, 2018
Revised – August 17, 2020
Reviewed – August 15, 2022
Revised – September 18, 2023
49
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
October 16, 2023
Agenda Item No. 8
OVERVIEW:
The Donna and John Crean Mariners Branch of the Newport Beach Public Library opened in April of 2006.
The 15,305 square feet branch is the only NBPL location that shares space with an elementary school. A
joint-use agreement allows the Mariners Elementary School to access part of the Library during the school
year. While school is in session, half of the children’s section of the Library is closed to public school use,
and Library staff is always available to retrieve items for the public. Mariners operating hours mirror the
same 71 hours per week as the Central Library. Storytimes are performed twice weekly, and other
programs are held throughout the year.
Personnel
In addition to Branch Librarian Alex Johnkins, the Mariners Branch is supported by full-time Children’s
Librarian Christine Chapel and Reference Librarian Leah Duffy. The Reference Department also includes
full-time Library Assistant Janice Nikula, and part-time Library Assistants Elizabeth Craig and Tom Rusconi.
The Circulation staff is led by Senior Clerk Liz McKibbin and full-time Clerk Piers Brown. The Branch part-
time Library Clerks consist of Rick Costa, Shelley Pricer, Nicole Osterman, Taylor Stephenson, and Mary
Anne Kessler. Library Pages Noel Chalmers, Sully Jacome, Matt Wirta, and Diwa De Joya support the
Circulation department as well.
Facility Maintenance
Mariners had several facility projects completed in the past year. Contractors replaced failing alarms in
September 2022. The first rains of November inspired collaboration with the Public Works department
for leak mitigation. Despite an abnormally wet year, repairs and an upkeep plan kept the interior of the
Mariners Branch dry. In January 2023, the automatic shades in the children’s room were repaired. A major
exterior lighting project was completed in February 2023. Its benefits include increased visibility in the
parking lot at night and the automation of day and night lighting schedules tied to sunrise and sunset. A
complete repaint of the exterior of the building was completed in May 2023. It restored the original color
scheme of the building. While looking newer and cleaner, the paint should also protect the building from
the elements. The emergency exit signs throughout the building were all replaced or refurbished in August
2023. A major HVAC project to replace components in the exterior equipment yard was completed in
September 2023.
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Alex Johnkins, Mariners Branch Librarian
TITLE: Mariners Branch Update
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Mariners Branch Update
October 16, 2023
Page 2
Public Service
Circulation and Reference Services
The service population for the Mariners Branch is 26,983, although there are many visitors from Costa
Mesa and the surrounding area. Between July 2022 and June 2023, Mariners was responsible for 22,289
reference questions and 225,959 circulations of materials. Reference questions increased a little over 10%
year over year, while circulations more than doubled at the Branch.
Program Attendance
Outdoor storytimes have proven so popular that the children’s staff has continued to hold them in
Mariners Park behind the Branch. These regularly bring in crowds of 70 or more. Storytimes are still held
indoors in the storytime room in the children’s department during inclement weather.
In addition to storytimes and the weekly LEGO Block Party events, children’s activity programming has
been held in-person at least once a month at the Mariners Branch. This has shifted take-home craft
opportunities to the teen, adult, and all-ages audiences. Poetry and bookmaking take-home projects were
both successful this past year.
Summer Reading Program
Mariners had another successful Summer Reading Program this year. Participants earned a free book
when signing up for the program and there was strong participation throughout. Over 300 children, 36
adults, and 30 teens registered, and almost as many book reviews were submitted. Performers and crafts
kept children engaged and interested in the program.
Outreach
Mariners’ children’s staff attended three events at Mariners Elementary School this past year. In April, the
Library staffed a table at the school’s open house to provide information about library services to over
300 interested students and caretakers. Mariners staff also attended the PTA book swap and Flag Deck
ceremony to raise awareness of the upcoming Summer Reading Program. In October 2022, Mariners’
reference staff represented Newport Beach Public Library at the City of Newport Beach Recreation and
Senior Services Department’s Trunk or Treat event at Mariners Park. Staff engaged with about 1,500
attendees, providing information about library services, NBPL bookmarks, candy, and other treats.
Mariners’ Elementary School
Jackie Casella is employed by the Newport-Mesa Unified School District and has been the Library Media
Tech for Mariners Elementary for several years. She operates the school-side of the library while school is
in session. She manages class visits, conducts storytimes for the students, and provides circulation services
to the school. She has been an outstanding partner for the Library. She is passionate about inspiring
students to read and provides them with excellent reader’s advisory. She encourages children and their
parents to acquire public library cards and make use of the Library outside of school.
Collection Maintenance
As of July 1, 2023, the Mariners collection consists of 65,284 items. Reference staff routinely works to
maintain, withdraw, and add to the collection. CollectionHQ, an analytics and statistical tool, helps identify
under-used, worn-out, and out-of-date materials. Popular sections include children’s materials, movies,
fiction, biographies, cookbooks, audiobooks, music CDs, and video games. Mariners’ staff creates themed
displays throughout the library to highlight materials for circulation, library services, and online resources.
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Mariners Branch Update
October 16, 2023
Page 3
Comments
The past year has been fantastic for the Mariners Branch. From fully reinstituting in-person programming
to several facility improvement projects, things have been on the upswing for Mariners. Practically all
measurable metrics are up this year, from materials circulation and reference services to foot traffic and
program attendance. Though several of Mariners’ staff members have moved up to full-time librarian
positions at other locations, the Branch is buoyed by a solid combination of reliable contributors and
enthusiastic new employees. We look forward to next year with anticipation for increased patron usage
and the continued expansion of library services.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
52
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
October 16, 2023
Agenda Item No. 9
OVERVIEW:
Youth Services staff provide a variety of services, resources, and materials for children ages 0-12. With
staff at all four locations – Central, Mariners, Balboa, and Corona del Mar (CdM) – Youth Services is
responsible for planning, maintaining, and promoting children’s programs, collections, and support
services. Youth Services staff also provide reference services answering several reader’s advisory and
reference questions daily, select and deselect materials from the Children’s Collection, perform weekly
storytimes weekly, host performers, local authors, and other special events monthly, implement the
annual Summer Reading Program, and present at community events throughout the year. The subsequent
report includes major events and notable achievements for the review period of October 2022 through
September 2023.
Personnel
During the reporting period, the Youth Services department saw several personnel changes. In November
2022, the department welcomed Children’s Librarian II Christine Lefter. Christine fills the vacancy left by
Annika Helmuth’s promotion to Branch and Youth Services Coordinator and joins Children’s Librarian I
Jasmin Avila to round out full-time Youth staff at Central. Also at Central, Youth Services welcomed part-
time Library Assistant Victoria Freshwater in October 2022. Victoria joins part-time Library Assistant
Bernadette Gilliam. Bernadette remains a steadfast member of the team, serving the City since 2005 and
impressively earning a nomination for the 2023 Dorothy Palen Award. Dorothy Palen Award nominees
demonstrate exceptional cooperation, dependability, integrity, initiative, and judgment within their roles
with the City. The Youth Services team is also staffed by personnel at the branches including Children’s
Librarian I Christine Chapel and full-time Library Assistant Janice Nikula at Mariners; Branch Librarian II
Evelyn Rogers at Balboa; and Branch Librarian II Nadia Dallstream at CdM. Recruitment for part-time
Library Assistants at both Balboa and CdM remained ongoing in September 2023, after vacancies left by
two resignations in August 2023.
Training and Professional Development
Youth Services staff attended and completed a variety of professional development trainings throughout
the review period. These trainings are an opportunity to learn new skills as well as review best practices
and industry standards. In October 2022, Jasmin Avila attended the Association for Library Service to
Children’s (ALSC) multi-day national conference. In June 2023, Annika Helmuth attended the full-day
Library Journal Design Institute with Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot. In August 2023, Jasmin
also attended a half-day training on Early Literacy Development with Neurodivergent and Dual Language
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Annika Helmuth, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator
TITLE: Youth Services Update
53
Youth Services Update
October 16, 2023
Page 2
Learners. And in September 2023, Christine Lefter, Jasmin Avila, and Christine Chapel attended a half-day
storytime focused training with well-known children’s musician and author Jim Gill. These workshops and
professional development sessions are in addition to several webinars on vulnerable populations,
presenting and public speaking, and public service customer service.
Collection
Children’s collection materials include Fiction, Paperback, Graphic Novels, Easy Readers, Picture Books,
Board Books, Nonfiction, Biography, Spanish, Audiobooks, Kits (a picture book with a CD), DVDs, Blu-rays,
and Music CDs. The collection totals an approximate 83,617 titles, which remains consistent with last
year’s figures. As is shown in Figure 1, Nonfiction titles make up much of the collection, followed closely
by Picture Books, Fiction, and Paperbacks.
Figure 1
Though fixed shelf capacity is finite, staff continually review, shift, and highlight collections and materials
to ensure adequate room for new, replacement, and patron requested titles. Children’s materials checked
out a total of 570,741 times during the review period and the turn-over rate on children’s items remains
high, as illustrated in Figure 2. Staff use the Library’s Collection Development policy to continually review
materials. This review process ensures fair access to quality materials, allows for collection growth, and
certifies the collection is meeting the needs of our patrons.
Figure 2
54
Youth Services Update
October 16, 2023
Page 3
Programs
Youth programs remain dynamic, engaging, and robust. During the reporting period, Youth Services
increased the number of programs offered to patrons by a notable 34% with staff planning, preparing,
and executing 608 youth programs over last year’s 453 programs. This includes storytimes, STEAM, Read
to a Dog, Middle Grade Book Club, and Summer Reading. Figure 3 shows the month over month increase
in program offerings.
Figure 3
Funding for children’s programs is generously provided by the Friends of the Library. This includes funds
for promotion of and supplies for storytimes, monthly events, outreach and first grade class visits, Corona
del Mar’s Holiday Open House, National Library Week, and the Summer Reading program, to name a few.
Storytimes
Across all locations, there is at least one storytime presented each day of the week (except Sundays) for
a total of nine storytimes each week. Storytime offerings include Books & Babies, for the littlest lap-sitters,
0–24 months, Toddler Storytime for toddlers from 18–36 months, Preschool Storytime for children ages
3-5 years, Songs & Stories, and Family Storytime. Most storytimes feature stories, songs, guided
movement, and for those ages 18 months and up, a craft. Children’s staff hosted 426 storytimes serving
25,966 participants, a significant 65% increase over last year's storytime attendance.
Children’s Authors and Afterschool Programs
Youth Services also hosts a variety of activities and events for school-aged children, ages 6-11 years. These
events include local author events, drop-in crafts, STEAM programs and LEGO builds, Sensory Play, Seek
and Find Challenges, Noon Year’s Eve, Science Fair, Butterfly Release, Coding for Kids, Read to a Dog,
Cardboard City, Family Game Day, Middle Grade Book Club, magic shows, animal programs, comedian-
jugglers, and much more. In October 2022, Central hosted local children’s author, Teresa Power, for an
interactive Halloween Yoga event in the Friends Room with 95 participants. The Noon Year’s Eve
celebration, held on December 31 at Central, brought a record 356 patrons to the library ready to ring in
the noon year. In April 2023, Central welcomed 250 participants for a fun-filled afternoon visit with
bestselling illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser. A new program, Coding for Kids, was also offered in April 2023.
The four-part workshop invited children aged 6-11 to learn the basics of Scratch programming every
Monday afternoon for one hour. The workshops were very popular with a waitlist every week, and several
55
Youth Services Update
October 16, 2023
Page 4
students expressed interest in more advanced classes. Program participation across all locations totaled
35,183 patrons, a 42% increase over program attendance reported in last year’s update.
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
Corona del Mar hosted a Holiday Open House event in December 2022 that was attended by 1,250
patrons. The library was decorated for the holidays and patrons were offered light refreshments. In a new
partnership, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s Performing Arts groups performed during the
event including the Eastbluff Ukulele Band/Choir, CdM’s Madrigals, Lincoln Elementary Choir, and the
CdM Jazz Band.
National Library Week
Every April, Newport Beach Public Library encourages community members to visit the library during
National Library Week and explore all the library has to offer. This year, National Library Week was April
23 – 29, 2023. To help us celebrate, City dignitaries including Councilmembers, City Administration, and
Board Library of Trustees are invited to take part as guest readers at one of our many storytimes. With a
full schedule of guest readers, dignitaries brought their enthusiasm and performed to packed storytime
rooms. Families and audience members enjoyed the opportunity to connect with City leaders.
Balboa and CdM also hosted special National Library Week events. At Balboa, 90 people attended a magic
show full of jokes and fun. CdM hosted a puppet show featuring Ranger Jack. There were 108 caregivers
and children in attendance, and they enjoyed singing and dancing along with Ranger Jack. Central
celebrated the end of National Library Week with the annual butterfly release. After watching the
caterpillars transform to butterflies at the children’s desk over the month of April, 110 guests celebrated
their release with butterfly crowns, butterfly puppets, and a butterfly mural.
Summer Reading Program
The Summer Reading Program, an annual reading challenge for children ages 0-12, kicked off on June 10,
2023. Participants were invited to log minutes read, complete activities, and write book reviews to earn
digital badges and prizes. Participants received a prize book upon registration as well as earned additional
prizes for every 100 minutes read (up to 600 minutes). Upon completion of all 600 minutes, participants
were entered into the grand prize drawing. Each location saw enthusiastic returning participants as well
as several new families. Returning families noted excitement for the return of performers and the positive
memories their children had last year that motivated them to do the program again. The Summer Reading
Program is a large undertaking, planned several months in advance, with programs and events every
week, and executed by staff at each location over seven weeks. Ending on July 29, 2023, the program was
another successful one. Reader participation was up almost 16% over last year (which was up 15% over
the year before) and program attendance far outpaced last year’s participant totals with a 139% increase
in total attendance.
Outreach
In addition to the many programs offered at the library, Youth Services staff also invite groups in for visits
to the library, plan presentations for off-site visits, host open house-style events, and staff large events
such as the Orange County Children’s Book Festival. Youth staff toured, presented to, or staffed events
for an outreach total of 6,319 participants, an over 100% increase over last year’s 3,044 participants. Like
the number of programs offered, this is an impressive leap from last year, and staff continue to look for
more opportunities for involvement in community events. One of the many outreach opportunities is first-
grade field trips. Youth Services staff annually invite first-grade classes from the public elementary schools
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Youth Services Update
October 16, 2023
Page 5
in the Newport Beach area to visit the library. Each visit includes a tour of the children’s room, a lesson
about library rules and materials, an overview of how to use the library, and an opportunity to listen to a
story. Students also have the option to apply for a library card prior to visiting. As a bonus, each child
receives a book to keep provided by the Friends of the Library. The Library hosted eight first-grade field
trips with an approximated 460 total combined students, teachers, and parents. These field trips take
place throughout the school year.
At the end of the school year, Youth staff also attend Newport Beach elementary school Flag Deck
ceremonies, school assemblies, and school library visits to promote the library’s Summer Reading
Program. This year, staff also visited local preschools. In total, staff presented to over 4,000 students
across ten separate school sites. In summary, it was a busy and rewarding year for Youth Services staff,
one that brought many opportunities for community engagement and confirmed staff’s commitment to
fostering life-long library users.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
57
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
October 16, 2023
Agenda Item No. 10
ABSTRACT:
Staff is endeavoring to show how connections are made in the community that are not always easily
classified or lend themselves to hard statistics. In order to gain a more complete understanding of how
the Library serves the community, staff has taken a more comprehensive look at the ways the Library has
impacted the community.
OVERVIEW:
There are many things that the Library does that can be easily quantified: circulation statistics, reference
questions answered, program attendance, and database usage, just to name a few. There are also those
things that are not as easily counted. Statistics only tell part of the story. In order to have a more complete
picture of the ways the Library touches the community we need to look beyond the statistics we currently
keep.
FY 2022-23
Circulation 1,172,951 YouTube Subscribers 581
Door Count 623,295 eNews Subscribers 32,304
Reference Transactions 108,242 Tests Proctored 112
Program Attendance 36,345 Passports Issued 1,101
Offsite Outreach 5,785 Tours/Class Visits 365
Website Visits 404,000 Beanstack Active Readers 3,832
Wi-Fi Sessions 117,656 Reading Challenges 3,274
Public Computer Usage 43,189 Phone Calls to Central 21,081
Self-Directed Activities 2,598 Database Searches 160,258
App Usage 59,203 Database Page Views 282,044
Facebook Subscribers 2,000 Database Courses 18,645
Instagram Subscribers 2,789 Database Hours 966
Pinterest Subscribers 856 ProQuest Articles Retrieved 69,101
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
TITLE: Patron Connections
58
Patron Connections
October 16, 2023
Page 2
There are stories behind the numbers, stories of children attending their first storytimes, patrons getting
their first library cards, students studying for finals, adult Literacy learners reading a book to their children,
and seniors getting assistance on the computers so they can email a loved one far from home. Of people
being able to get a guest pass in order to apply for much needed services. Of staff making human
connections and offering a warm smile and friendly greeting to people who are at their lowest. Library
staff changes lives for the better in any number of small and often intangible ways on a daily basis. Looking
beyond the data, we can see the human connections and the difference the Library makes.
“As always… Thank you so much I am the luckiest girl in the world to have the Newport Beach Library!”
“A very kind man helped me upstairs get right to the book and figure out which one was right, thank you”
“Not everyone holds his or her head up high when helping someone, but Jeremy was so helpful and kind
in the way he provided guidance.”
“We had a patron come to the reference desk who was visually impaired looking for information on a
specific health condition. Rosemary showed a tremendous amount of patience, empathy, and kindness
as she conducted the reference interview. She found the specific book the patron was looking for,
information on the condition, as well as other resources that someone with visual impairment could use
to access the information she was working for. Rosemary spent much of the hour with the patron, as she
kept asking questions and asking for assistance, and the patron was extremely grateful for all of
Rosemary’s help.”
“He was really happy with the two books that you saved for him yesterday, he said it was just what he
needed, and he wanted to pass along his thanks to you. I could tell from this interaction that you provided
great customer service for Paul and connected him with something memorable.”
“It was a lot of fun and good to get me out of my comfort zone. Annika is an exceptional part of your
team. Thank you for the opportunity”
“She wanted to compliment Jeremy on his assistance, she said he went above and beyond while assisting
her and she was very impressed and appreciative of his service.”
“A patron named Nick came into the Admin office to commend Greg on how friendly and helpful he was
during their interaction. He was very appreciative of Greg’s excellent customer service skills.”
“I just received a phone call on the Reference desk by a patron who wanted to say thank you for the
information you sent her. She said you were a tremendous help, and she appreciates it.”
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
59
Jerold D Kappel, CEO
Newport Beach Public Library Foundation
Memo
To: Paul Watkins, Chair, Library Trustees
From: Jerold D Kappel, CEO
cc: Library Board of Trustees
Date: October 11, 2023
Re: Library Foundation Report
1. The Foundation will present 44 programs during the 2023-2024 season, 32 of which are free to
the public.
2. Season Pass marketing: Season Passes for both Witte Lecture Series (second year) and Library
Live (first year) have exceeded goals. Currently, there are 111 passes sold for Library Live, 61% of
the available seats for sale. There have been 210 Witte Lecture Series season passes sold, or
58% of the available seats for the two lectures.
a. Although the capacity of the Friends Room is 200, because of major donor complimentary
tickets and speaker guests, the Foundation identifies the number of potential tickets to be
sold as 180 per event.
2. Both Lisa See (October 19) and Steve Lopez (November 9) for Library Live are sold out. Individual
Witte tickets went on sale October 1 and 263 tickets have already been sold.
3. The Foundation is inaugurating a full Spotlight on Science series of programs this season after
the success of the presentation by UCI Dean James Bullock on the James Webb Space Telescope
last May. The series of three lectures have an overall theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
scientific research. The first presentation on November 15 is by UCI professor Padhraic Smyth on
AI, large language and large data models. Glaciologists Eric Rignot and Isabella Velicogna will
speak on “Tracking Ice and Water in a Changing Climate with AI” on March 20. Brett Sanders,
recipient of a NASA grant to track the changes of the California coastline, will finish the season
on May 15 with a lecture on “Digital Tools for Projecting Coastal Erosion and Flooding”.
a. Spotlight on Science is a free program for the community although we require people to
register as the Friends Room is limited to 200 seats. It is with the cooperation of UCI
Sciences as Medicine in Our Backyard is in partnership with UCI Health.
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b.The first marketing eblast for Spotlight was sent to the Foundation’s email list on
October 10, and by the date of this report, 260 registrations have been made. The first
program on November 15 is already 85% registered.
4.The November Board Meeting of the Library Foundation is Monday, November 13, 2023, at 5:00
PM. There will be no formal December meeting but a Board Holiday Reception.
a.The Library Live Committee meets on the first Tuesday of each month and the Witte
Committee meets on the first Thursday. Both committees have met in September and
October and are planning for the 2024-2025 season.
4.The Library Leadership Reception held on Wednesday, October 4, in the Bamboo Courtyard was
a success. Over 90 Library Leadership Society donors, Foundation Board Members, Library
Trustees, City Councilmembers, community leaders and Library senior staff were in attendance.
The reception was highlighted by a presentation by Greg Lucas, the California State Librarian,
who spoke about the importance of libraries in the community and the critical role library
support groups, including this Foundation, are to the community. I received many positive
comments from attendees on Mr. Lucas and his presentation.
5.National Estate Planning Awareness Week begins October 16. That week will be the launch to
the Foundation’s estate giving program for the Elizabeth and John Stahr Legacy Society in honor
of the 30th anniversary of the Central Library.
a.The Foundation has contracted FreeWill to provide free will and estate planning
documents to the community on the Foundation website. The free will and estate
planning documents that are provided are California approved. FreeWill is utilized by
hundreds of nonprofits, large and small, including dozens of library foundations. The
FreeWill service is available to any library patron, whether or not they wish to provide
an estate gift to the Foundation.
b.The Foundation has already developed a webpage for Estate Giving with documents
available for those individuals that already have an advisor and an estate plan.
https://nbplf.foundation/estate-giving/
6.The Book Discussion Group on the second Wednesday of the month is building in participation
to pre-pandemic numbers. September was attended by 55 people discussing Lady Tan’s Circle of
Women by Lisa See, and October had over 38 people discussing Steve Lopez’ The Soloist.” Both
authors are Library Live speakers and both lectures are sold out.
https://nbplf.foundation/programs/book-discussion-group/
7.Medicine in Our Backyard began on Monday, September 25, with 78 in attendance and will
continue October 23 and November 13. October 23 is on boosting your health as you age, a tie
into Steve Lopez Library Live lecture on his book “Independence Day.” The final presentation for
the fall will be on understanding mental health issues in adults on November 13.
https://nbplf.foundation/programs/medicine-in-our-backyard/
8.The Financial Literacy Workshops began Monday October 2 for six straight weeks.
https://nbplf.foundation/programs/financial-literacy-workshops/
a.The FreeWill service is complementary to the Foundation’s financial literacy objective.
9.Witte Lectures begin in January. https://nbplf.foundation/programs/witte-lectures/
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10. Bookmark is scheduled for an early November publication date and will focus on the 30th
anniversary of Central Library, the Foundation’s role in advocating for it and funding 25% of its
cost and insuring its future with a Legacy Campaign.
11. The second round of bids for the Library Lecture Hall—Witte Hall—were released on Plant Bid
on September 5. The bids are to be opened October 12 and sent to the City Council in
November.
a. The Foundation’s Beyond Books capital campaign is still progressing.
12. The Foundation’s audit and IRS Form 990 are complete. The Board accepted the audit and
approved the IRS Form 990 at its October 9 Board Meeting. After submission to the IRS, the
public version of the 990 and the audit will be posted on the Foundation’s website. Financial
Responsibility - Newport Beach Public Library Foundation (nbplf.foundation)
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